Geometry · Area, Surface Area & Volume

Lateral Area

HSG-GMD.A.3

Definition

The total area of the side surfaces of a solid, excluding its bases.

Examples

  • Lateral area includes only the side surface, not the top or bottom base.
  • A cylinder's lateral area is the curved side, not the two circular ends.

Key rule

Lateral area excludes the base(s); surface area includes them.

Memory hook

Just the sides — no bases counted.